Collapsible boat



F'. RONNE COLLAPSIBLE BOAT VJan. 1, 1952 2 SHEETS-SHEET l Filed Oct. 19, 1949 ffaR/YEY Jarvx. 1,V 1952 Ff BONNE" coLLASIBLE BOAT Filed Oct. 19, 1949 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 /7 7 fok AYE/V Patented Jan. l, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COLLAPSIBLE BOAT Finn Ronne, Chevy Chase, Md.

Application October 19, 1949, Serial No. 122,342

(Granted under the act of March 3, 1883, as

8 Claims.

amended April 30, 1928; 370 O. G. 757) The invention described herein, if patented, may be manufactured and used by or for the Government for governmental purposes, without the payment tome of any royalty thereon.

My invention relates to collapsible boats and more particularly to frames for the same. Such boats are well known, and it is contemplated that the frame of the invention will have secured thereover either permanently or detachably a iiexible cover of any suitable waterproof material. Thus, the frame and cover may be folded and unfolded as a unit. It is contemplated that the boat according to the invention will be readily portable, whereby itis particularly adapted for use by explorers.

With the foregoing in view, it is an object of my invention to provide an improved collapsible boat.

A further object is to provide an improved frame for a collapsible boat.

A further object is to provide in an improved frame for a collapsible boat, novel means for maintaining the frame in an extended or operative position.

A further object is to provide an improved frame for a collapsible boat, which includes collapsible floor boards, and novel means for maintaining such floor boards in an extended or floorproviding position.

Other objects and advantage reside in the particular structure of the invention, combination and arrangement of the several parts thereof, all of which will be readily understood by those skilled in the art upon reference to the attached drawings and following specication, wherein the invention is shown, described and claimed.

In the drawing:

Figure l is a perspective view of the invention, the same being shown in the operative position;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal vertical sectional View thereof;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal vertical sectional view showing a portion of Figure 2 with the parts in the partially collapsed position;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view showing the parts in the fully collapsed position;

Figure 5 is a transverse vertical sectional view on a slightly enlarged scale and taken substantially on the planes of the line 5 5 of Figure 2.

Referring specifically to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like parts throughout the several views, ID indicates generally a collapsible frame for the boat according to the invention. The frame I0 is covered with a waterproof flexible cover I l o! any suitable legs of a U-shaped transverse rib I4.

material. The cover II is secured to the -frame I 9 in any suitable manner as by the lacing I2.

The frame I0 comprises a pair of side plates I3, which are fixedly secured to the upper ends of the 'The side plates I3 are disposed in laterally spaced parallel relation and cooperate with the rib I4. to form the base for the frame about which the other frame parts are moved to and from the collapsed and extended positions. Thus, the side plates I3 have pivoted thereto the free ends of the legs of two graded sets of hull-providing resilient ribs I5, I6, I l, I 8 and I9. The ribs of each set are graduated so that each is of a different length. As the ribs of each set are identical, `it Will sufiice to describe but a single set. Thus, the uppermost ribs I5 when in the extended positions, provide the gunwales of the boat as shown in Figure 1. In such positions, the legs of' the ribs I5 are substantially aligned and extend Ifrom the side plates I3, in opposite directions. The second or next lowermost ribs I6 are' slightly shorter than the ribs I5, and the webs thereof, when in the extended positions, aref disposed substantially intermediate the gunwale and the keel. The third or next lowermost ribs I'I are still shorter and extend from the side plates I3 to the keel at the bow and the stern of the boat. The remaining fourth and fifth ribs I8 and I9 of each set underlie the keel intermediate the bow or stern and the side plates I3. As best seen in Figure 4, the sets of ribs are substantially parallel to each other when the frame I 0 is in the folded position.

Certain of the ribs of eachset are folded and extended by means now to be described. Thus, each second rib I6 has slidably mounted on each leg thereof a toggle slide 20. Also, each leg of each second rib I6 has iixedly secured in any suitable manner a stop 2I to limit sliding movement of the slide 20 in one direction. Each toggle slide 20, has pivotally secured thereto in any suitable manner, the inner ends of a pair of toggle links 22 and 23. The toggle link 22 extends upwardly from the slide 2l] and the toggle link 23 extends downwardly therefrom. The outer ends of the links 22 and 23 are pivotally secured to ears 24 and 25, which in turn are rigidly secured to the legs of the uppermost ribs I5 and third ribs I'I. In Figure 1, the toggle links 22 and 23 together with the slides 20 have been moved to the extended position, whereby to force the ribs I5 and I1 away from theintermediate rib I6. This movement is away from the side plates I3, and is limited by the engagement of the slides 20 with the stops 2|. f

The sto-ps 2| are so located that the slides 20 and links 22 and 23 have passed their dead centers when the slides abut the stops 2|. Therefore, the toggles are locked in the extended position by the resilient pressure of the legs ofribs I and Il in a well-known manner. As best seen in Figure'3,.wherr the slides 20 areeslfid: away from: stops 2| towardl the sideplates I3, thevtoggles are. collapsed after passing their dead centers and as this movement is continued, the ribs I5, I3 and Il? are thereby drawn into juxtaposed substantially parallel relation. Thereafter, all ribs of' each set may be swung downwardly on theside plates I3 to the fully collapsed position of Figure 4, wherein all ribs are substantially parallel.

Preferably, the bow and the stern oi the boa-t are each provided with an additional toggle generally indicated at 23, which are effective to ilex' the iront and rear portions of; the ribs I5'- upwardly, whereby to provide a raised bow and stern; as. well as to; provide; reinforcements for the. bow and stern. Each toggle 2a, comprises an upper section 2.1: andealowerV section 28",.-which are hingedly' connected' together by any' suitable hinge 2:3'. The uppierend' of the upper section 21'isiormediwitha'notch or groove 3U, in which is' received the web: of the upper ribi |35. The lower end of the lower section 28 is pivotally se` cured by anyV suitable. means 3| tothev web 32 of thee I'If. Movementy of the' toggle-l sectionsl in the extending: direction is limited; by the. en gagementI of one of the' sections with the web of. the intermediate rib I6.. as clearly seen in Figure 2. The parts, arey so arranged that this engagementocaurs after' the sections have passed ther dead center whereby thel sections are resil i'ently locked in the extended position by ribs I5 and I'Ir..

The webs 32' ot the ribs l-:'I: have pivotally or hingedly secured thereto` by any suitable hingeproviding members 33, the outerend's of a pair of floor' boards; 34 and 35; The inner ends of floor boards 34 and 35 are: hingedly connected together by' suitable hinges 36a The hinges 35' extend transversely of the hul-L and fold upward-ly so that the iioor boards may becollapsed from the extended position of; Figures l; and 2 to the folded or face-to-iaceposition of: Figure 4. Also, it should be: noted thaty the web' of the center rib I4 underlies the floor boardsin the' region of hinges 36 so as'to: limitA movement of the floor boards in the; unfolding or extending direction to the iiush positionof Figs. l and 2. As aforesaid the outerv ends of the oor boards 35 and 3% are supported by the webs oi the ribs I'I. Intermediate portions of thefoor boards 34 and. 35 are supported by thev webs of the shorter ribs. 'Mi and I3, the webs of which underlie the floor boa-rds.

To maintain the oor boards 34 and 33 in the extended position, whereby to give longitudinal rigidity to the boat, there has been provided the structure: now te be described. Thus, a latchbar V39y isv hingedly secured'to one leg 3T of the center A35', whereby to clamp such- `joint and boards against the web of the center rib I4. The opposite leg 38 of the center rib I4 is provided with .a suitable latch 44, which is engageable with a latch detent 45, carried by the free end of the section 4| of the latch bar.

Preferably, the defili tent and/or the free end of the latch bar section 4I is provided with a pair of furcations 4B, which straddle the leg 38 of the rib I4 when the latch bar is extended across the floor boards. This arrangement prevents horizontal swinging of the latch bar, but permits vertical swinging thereof: and/or collapsing thereof on the hinges 42: and 431 It is understood', of course, that the hinge 43 is provided merely to permit collapse of the latch bar 39, and is not necessary for the proper operation lof the latch bar. As clearly seen in Figure 5, the abutting ends of the latch bar sections 4) and 4I limit downward swinging of the sections to the aligned position, and also prevent accidental upward collapse of the hinge 43. Thus, the latch bar 39 securely clamps the hinge joint of the floor boards 34 and 35 against theY web ofthecenter rib I4.

The sequence in which the several toggles and theI latch bar are actuated in extending or collapsing the frame is unimportant. It is understood, of course, that all togg-les musty becollapsed andthe latch bar released beforeY the. frame canv be collapsedA to the Figure 4 position.

It is'contemplated` that. the bloatv according to the invention,V will beV provided with one or more. suitable seats 5.8,. Figure 5.. Such seats 50, form no part' of the present invention.

While I have shown and' described what is now' thought to. be the preferred embodiment of the. invention, it is` to be. understood that the same is susceptible of other forms` and' expressions. Consequently, I do not` limiti myself toV the precise structures shown and described hereinabove, ex cept as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

l. In a frame for a collapsibley boat, including a pair of laterally spaced and opposed side plates and` two sets of graded U-shaped ribs., each rib including two legs and' a connecting web, said legs includingY free ends pivoted to said pair of side plates for pivotal movement to and from; et

tended positions in which corresponding ribs each set extend from said side plates in similar angular relation butin opposite directions and folded. positions, in which all or said ribs depend from said side plates` in substantially parallel res lation, each set of ribs including an uppermost rib and subjacent second and third ribs; the improvement comprising a pair of floor boards for said frame adapted to. be supported on the webs of some of said ribs between the legs thereof, hinge means hingedl-y connecting adjacent ends oi4 saidboards, together for folding movement with said ribs to and from extended and folded positions wherein said boards are disposed respecttively in end-to-end relation and face-to-iace relation, a center rib of U-shaped iorm having two upstanding legs xed to and depending from said side plates between said sets ci ribs, said cen-ter rib having a web underlying said hinge means, a latch bar pivoted to` one leg or" said center rib for vertical swinging movement into, and out o a locking position` overlying said adjacent. ends ci said floor boards and clamping the sanceI to said web of said center rib, and means` on the other leg oi said center rib for latching said latch bar in said locking position, whereby to prevent iol'iing movement of said iloor boards.

2. In a frame for a collapsible boat, including a pair of laterally spaced and opposed side plates and twoy sets of graded U-shaped ribs, each. rib including two legs and a, connecting web,v said legs. including free ends pivoted to said pair of side plates for pivotal movement to and. from extendedfpositionsin which corresponding ribs of each set extend from said side plates in similar angular relation but in opposite directions and folded positions in which all of said ribs depend from side plates in substantially parallel relation, each set of ribs including an uppermost rib and subjacent second and third ribs; the improvement comprising a pair of floor boards for said frame adapted to be supported on the webs of some of said ribs between the legs thereof, hinge means `hingedly connecting adjacent ends of said boards together for folding movement with said ribs to and from extended and folded positions wherein said boards are disposed resnectively in end-to-end relation and face-toface relation, a center rib of U-shaped form having two upstanding legs xed to and depending from said side plates between said sets of ribs, said center rib having a web underlying said hinge means, a latch bar pivoted to one leg of said center rib for vertical swinging movement into and out of a locking position overlying said adiacent ends of said floor boards and clamping the same to said web of said center rib, a spring latch mounted on the other leg of said center rib, said latch bar having a free end operatively engageable with said spring latch for releasably latching said latch bar in said locking position whereby to prevent folding movement of said door boards.

3. In a frame for a collapsible boat, including a pair of laterally spa ced and opposed side plates and two sets of graded U-shaped ribs,`each rib including two legs and a connecting web, said legs including free ends pivoted to saidpair of side plates for pivotal movement to and from -extended positions in which corresponding ribs of each set extend from said side plates in similar angular relation but in opposite directions and folded positions in which all of said ribs depend from said side plates in substantially parallel relation, each set of ribs including an uppermost rib and subjacent second and third ribs; the improvement comprising a pair f floor boards for said frame adapted to be supported on the webs of some of said ribs between the legs thereof, hinge means hingedly connecting adjacent ends of said boards together for folding movement with said ribs to and from extended and folded positions wherein said boards are disposed respectively in end-to-end relation and face-toface relation, a center rib of U-shaped form having two upstanding legs xed to and depending from said side plates between said sets of ribs, said center rib having a web underlying said hinge means, a latch bar pivoted to one leg of said center rib for vertical swinging movement into and out of a locking position overlying said adjacent ends of said floor boards andy clamping the same to said web of said center rib, a spring latch mounted on the other leg of said center rib, said latch bar having a bifurcated free end adapted to straddle said other leg of said center rib, said free end of said latch bar being formed with a latch detent operatively engageable with said spring latch for releasably latching said latch bar in said locking position whereby to prevent folding movement of said floor boards.

4. In a frame for a collapsible boat, including a pair of laterally spaced and opposed side plates and two sets of graded U-shaped ribs, each rib including two legs and a connecting web, said legs 'including free ends pivoted to said pair of side plates for pivotal movement to and from extended positions in which corresponding ribs of each set extend from said side plates in similar angular relation but in opposite directions and folded positions in which all of said ribs depend from said side plates in substantially parallel relation, each set of ribs including an uppermost rib and subjacent second and third ribs; the improvement comprising a pair of iioor boards for said frame adapted to be supported on the webs of some of said ribs between the legs thereof, hinge meanshingedly connecting adjacent ends of said boards together for folding movement with said ribs to and from extended and folded positions wherein said boards are disposed respectively in end-to-end relation and face-to-face relation, a center rib of U-shaped form having two upstanding -legs xedto and depending from said side plates between said sets of ribs, said center rib having a web underlying said hinge means, a latch bar pivoted to one leg of said center ribifor vertical "swinging movement into and out of a locking position overlying `said` adiacent ends of said floor boards and clamping the same to said web of said center rib. a springr latch mounted on the other leg of said center rib, said latch bar having a free end operatively engageable with said spring latch for releasably latching said latch bar in said locking position whereby to prevent folding movement of said iioor boards, said latch bar comprising a pair of sections, means hingedly connecting said sections together, and said spring latch comprising `means for locking said sections against hinging movement.

5. In a frame for a collapsible boat, including a pair of laterally spaced and opposed side plates and two sets of graded U-shaped ribs, each rib including two legs anda connecting web, said legs including free ends pivoted to said pair of side plates for pivotal movement to and from extended positions in which corresponding ribs of each set extend from said side plates in similar angular relation but in opposite directions and folded positions in which all of said ribs depend from said side plates in substantially parallel relation each set of ribs including an uppermost rib and subjacent second and third ribs: the improvement comprising four toggle slides, there being two of said slides longitudinally slidable on the legs of said second rib of each set, an upper and a lower toggle link of each slide, said links `having inner ends pivoted to said slides,

' said upper and lower links having outer ends pivoted respectively to said uppermost and third ribs of each set, said toggle slides being slidable away from said side plates to extend said uppermost,` second and third ribs of each set from said folded to said extended positions, a pair of floor boards for said frame adapted to be supported `on the webs of some of said ribs between the legs thereof, hinge means hingedly connecting adjacent ends of said boards together for folding movement with said ribs to and from extended and folded positions wherein said boards are disposed respectively in end-to-end relation and face-toface relation, a center rib of U-shaped form having two upstanding legs flxed to and depending from said side plates between said sets of ribs, said center rib having a web underlying said yhinge means, a latch bar pivoted to one leg of @ceases said latch bar insaid locking position, whereby to prevent folding movement. of said iioor board.

6. In a. frame fora collapsible boat, including a pair of laterally spaced and opposed side plates and two sets of graded U-shaped ribs, each rib including two legsv and a connectingy web, said legs. including free. ends' pivoted tok said pair ofi side plates for pivotal movement to and fromA extended positions in which corresponding ribs. of each set' extend from said side platesr in similar angular relation. but in opposite directions and folded positions in which all of said ribs depend from said side plates in substantially parallelrelation, each set of ribs including an uppermost rib and subjacent second and third ribs; the improvement comprising four toggle slides, there being two of said slides longitudinally, slidable on the legs of said, second rib of each. set, Van upper and a lower toggle link for each slide, said links having inner ends pivoted tosaidslides, said upper and lower links, having outer ends pivoted respectively' to said uppermost and third ribs of each set, said toggle slides being slidable away from said side plates to extend said uppermost, second and third ribs of each set from said folded to said extended positions, a pair of door boards for said frame adapted to be supported on the webs of some of said ribs between the legs thereof, hinge means hingedly connect,- ing adjacent ends of said boards together for folding movement with said ribs to and fromv extended and folded positions wherein said boards are disposed respectively in end-to-end relation and face-to-face relation, a center rib of U-shaped form having two upstanding legs xed to and depending from said side plates between said sets of ribs, said center rib having a web underlying said hinge means, a latch bar pivoted to one leg of said center rib for vertical swinging movement into4 and out of a locking position overlying said adjacent ends of said floor boards and clamping the same to said web of said center rib, means on the other leg of said center rib for latching said latch bar in said locking position, whereby to prevent folding movement of said iioor boards, said floor boards having outer ends, and means pivotally connecting said outer ends to the webs of said third ribs whereby to anchor said outer ends of said floor boards tosaid frame.

*7. In a frame for a collapsible boat, including a pair of laterally spaced and opposed side plates and two sets of graded U-shaped ribs, each rib including two legs and a connecting web, said legs including free ends pivoted to said pair of side plates for pivotal movement. to and from extended positions in which corresponding ribs of each set extend from said side plates in similar angular relation but in opposite directions. and folded positions in which all of said ribs' depend fromv said side plates in substantially parallel relation, each set of ribs including an` 11p-l 81 permost rib and subjacent second and third ribs; the improvement comprising four toggle slides, there being two. of said slides longitudinally slidable on the legsA of said second rib of each set, an upper and a. lower toggleV link for each slide, said links having inner* ends pivoted to said slides, said upper andr lower links having outer ends pivoted respectively to said uppermost and third ribs of each set, and said toggle slides being slidable away from said side plates to extend said uppermost, second and third ribs of each set from. said folded to Asaid extended positions, a pair of iioor boardsv for said frame adapted to be supported on the webs of some of said ribs between the legs thereof, hinge means hingedly connecting adjacent ends of said boards together for folding movement with said ribs to and from extended and folded positions wherein said boards are disposed respectively in end-to-end relation and face-to-face relation, means for locking said. floor boards in said extended position, said door boards having outer ends, and means pivotally connecting said outer ends to the webs of said third ribs whereby to anchor said outer ends of said floor boards to said frame.

8. In a frame for a collapsible boat, the combination with a rigid base and oppositely directed collapsible frame portions pivotal'ly secured thereto, of a pair of oor boards for said frame, there being a floor board supported by each frame portion, hinge means hingedly connecting said boards together in end-to-end relation'ior folding movement with said frame portions to and from extended and collapsed positions, said boards in the region of said hinge means being supported by said base, a latch bar pivotedto said base for vertical swinging movement. into and out of a locking position overlying said hinge means and clamping both of said boards to said base, and means for releasably locking said latch bar in said locking position, whereby to prevent folding movement of said door boards.

FINN BONNE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the Ifile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

